Another key to the game was controlling Bradbury, who entered the game averaging 23 points. That THS defense took the 6’8” post player totally out of the game. He only got four shots and scored five points.

“We wanted to play with pace and pressure the basketball,” Reeder explained. “We wanted to keep Sam moving. That’s why we went to the zone press. He had to move to the sideline and then back inside. We wanted to wear him down as much as we could.

“Caleb did a fantastic job not letting Sam get to his spots,” the THS coach added. “Plus, our guards put so much pressure on the ball, their guards had a difficult time even seeing Sam. Our pressure and pace were tremendous. We wanted more of an up-tempo game. The final score doesn’t reflect that because we didn’t shoot well.”

The first three quarters were tight throughout. The largest lead was three in the first half, with THS leading 17-14 at intermission. A three-pointer by Kayden Althoff and a short jumper by Max Niebrugge helped the Shoes build a 26-17 spread midway through the third period, but the Green Wave surged back. Bergstro and Gate Thompson hit jumpers and Jaylen Middleton knocked down a three from the corner, as Mattoon closed to within 26-24.

It was still a two-point lead, 28-26, heading into the final eight minutes.

“We had the game moving like we wanted in the first half,” Reeder said. “Had we not turned the ball over 11 times in the first half, we might have been up 13 to 15 points. We had too many possessions we didn’t even get a shot off.

“And we didn’t shoot the ball well again,” Reeder added. “It was nice to see Kayden and Mitch hit a couple shots, but we have to shoot the ball better if we’re going to continue to win ball games. We have to score in transition, off turnovers and by crashing the boards. I thought we were relentless on the boards tonight, especially at the offensive end.”

Bergstro was the only Mattoon player in double figures with 12. The Green Wave shot 37 percent overall, making 13-of-35 shots. They were 1-for-7 from long range and 7-for-11 at the foul line. They had 19 turnovers.

Siemer paced the Shoes with 12 points and Brendan Niebrugge added 10. T-Town made 17-of-44 shots, a 39 percent clip. They were just 3-for-16 from three-point range and 6-for-8 at the charity stripe. They held a 21-15 rebounding advantage with James Niebrugge pulling down five.

Teutopolis will now face a Breese Central team that has defeated Effingham, Robinson and St. Anthony to reach the final game.

“We’re pleased to be where we are, but we know we’re going to face a tough team in Breese Central,” Reeder said. “Both teams strive on defensive play. It will probably come down to who takes better care of the basketball.”